The RDS has applied to Dublin City Council for planning permission for the redevelopment of the Anglesea Stand as part of the overall RDS Main Arena redevelopment this week.

The redevelopment will provide excellent facilities for visitors to the Anglesea Stand, while also increasing the standard capacity for Leinster Rugby from 18,500 to 21,000.

The RDS will be solely responsible for managing the redevelopment of the Stand, the total cost of which is expected to be in the region of €26m.

Since completing the international architectural competition – managed by the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI) – for the redevelopment of the RDS Main Arena, won by the consortium of architectural practices, Dublin-based Newenham Mulligan Architects and London-based Grimshaw Architects, the RDS has been working with the design team to develop the detail of the initial design concept.

The final redevelopment design has to meet the specific requirements of Leinster Rugby, the Dublin Horse Show and other commercial considerations of the RDS, all contained on a tight building footprint and in a busy working environment.

Designing a stadium to meet the unique design requirements of the RDS Main Arena is a complex and challenging task.

We have today submitted a planning application for a redeveloped Anglesea Stand which will create a top class experience for visitors and positively impact on the Dublin Horse Show, Leinster Rugby and any other events held in the Main Arena.

Mick Dawson, CEO of Leinster Rugby said:

This has taken a huge amount of work from all concerned and the RDS have gone about it the right way.

It is great to be able to take that next step. It is welcome news for all involved with Leinster Rugby but in particular for our season ticket holders who continue to support us in great numbers but are eager to see how this all develops.

I think this is a very positive step as we look towards developing the RDS Arena into the best in class offering that we all know it can be.

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